The North Range Buildings at the New Museum Site, University of Cambridge consists of three buildings, made up of new build and restoration of existing listed buildings where Munro will be providing the Mechanical and Electrical installation services for this project, working alongside main contractor Kier Construction.
This £7.5m design and build project for Munro will see the majority of existing MEP systems within the retained areas of the site being replaced, with new MEP installations at the Student Services Centre and Examination Halls. In addition, the new site will provide a 580 space cycle park in the basement to maximise the use of the central city space.
The focus for the North Range Buildings project is to implement energy efficiency measures which positively contribute to the University of Cambridge’s carbon reduction targets, whilst enhancing the quality of the refurbished spaces through integration of new ventilation, acoustic and lighting strategies.
With a focus on a 20% minimum carbon reduction across the site, Munro have designed a number of energy efficient measures and site wide energy generation systems which include natural ventilation, photovoltaic systems and centralised all-air conditioning by way of example.
To meet one of the key stakeholder requirements of providing a flexible lighting system, that not only met energy efficiency requirements but also had controls that offer users the ability to adjust their learning environment to suit individual needs. The solution includes desk lamps, floor standing lamps and dimmers, areas with these controls provide a completely personalised approach to lighting.
The challenges that arise when replacing MEP systems on a Grade II listed building requires careful planning and consideration, including using BIM as a key deliverable for the project.
Munro are collaborating closely with Architects, Bennet’s Associates, focusing on the least disruptive way to install the services. Disturbing the existing fabric of these historic buildings is not an option. Face fixing is one of the key solutions which allows Munro to maintain continuity in the design across the three buildings and keep the aesthetics consistent across the new build and retained estate.
You can read more about the vibrant history of these buildings in our article North Range Buildings – A New Era.
Currently, Kier Construction’s team are busy laying the first-floor slab and the construction of the new examination hall has begun, whilst Munro are finalising the detailed design. The existing Rayleigh Wings and Cavendish buildings are being opened up for the refurbishment, where Munro are due to commence M&E works in August.
Munro officially entered the site in July carrying out enabling works, with a proposed completion date of October 2018.
Photos courtesy of Kier Construction show the rebar being prepared for the new lifts as well as the main and secondary stairwell.